mimicry
/ˈmɪmɪkri/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmɪmɪkri/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmi-mi-krē/ (ame, mw)
mimicry — 名詞
1. the act or skill of copying a person's voice, movements, or way of behaving, typ
模仿
模仿他人聲音或行為的動作
the act or skill of copying a person's voice, movements, or way of behaving, typically done to entertain or make others laugh
Clara's mimicry of the head teacher was so accurate that even the principal laughed.
Clara 對校長的模仿非常逼真，連校長本人都笑了。
mimicry of [person] for comedic effect
For the school talent show, Omar performed a hilarious mimicry of his uncle's way of telling stories.
在學校才藝表演中，Omar 模仿叔叔講故事的方式，讓全場笑翻了。
The comedy duo's vocal mimicry of famous movie stars earned them a spot on national television.
那對喜劇搭檔對知名電影明星的聲音模仿，為他們贏得了全國電視節目的演出機會。
After months of practice, Mei's mimicry of her grandmother's distinctive laugh was finally perfect for the family skit.
經過幾個月的練習，Mei 對奶奶獨特笑聲的模仿終於能在家庭短劇中完美呈現。
At the office party, Elena's mimicry of the boss's nasal voice had everyone in tears.
在辦公室派對上，Elena 模仿老闆那帶鼻音的說話方式，讓在場每個人都笑到流淚。
- imitation
broader term; mimicry implies copying a specific person's behaviour or voice, while imitation can apply to copying anything (sounds, styles, products)
- impersonation
mimicry of a specific individual, usually for comic effect; impersonation often involves adopting the person's identity more fully
- parody
mimicry done to mock or exaggerate a style or work, not necessarily a person's voice or movements
- originality
mimicry copies; originality creates something new
用法筆記
Frequently describes deliberate human performance for amusement. For animal sound-matching in the wild, the term is also used (e.g. birdsong mimicry) but 'vocal mimicry' is more specific.
常見錯誤
2. the natural ability of an animal or plant to resemble another living thing or an
擬態
生物為保護自身而模仿其他物種或環境
the natural ability of an animal or plant to resemble another living thing or an object in its environment, helping it stay hidden from hunters or gain some other survival advantage
The stick insect's mimicry of a twig makes it almost impossible for birds to spot.
竹節蟲對樹枝的擬態讓鳥類幾乎無法發現牠。
mimicry of [object] for concealment
Some harmless butterflies use mimicry to copy the wing patterns of poisonous species and avoid being eaten.
某些無毒的蝴蝶運用擬態，模仿有毒物種的翅膀花紋，以避免被吃掉。
defensive mimicry for predator avoidance
The orchid's mimicry of a female wasp attracts male wasps that help carry its pollen.
蘭花對雌蜂的擬態會吸引雄蜂前來，幫助蘭花傳播花粉。
The orchid mantis uses mimicry to look like a flower and trap bees seeking nectar.
蘭花螳螂運用擬態把自己偽裝成一朵花，藉此捕捉前來採蜜的蜜蜂。
Dr. Okonkwo explained that the hoverfly uses Batesian mimicry, copying the appearance of a stinging wasp despite being harmless.
Okonkwo 博士解釋說，食蚜蠅運用的是貝氏擬態——雖然本身無毒，但模仿了會螫人的黃蜂外表。
- camouflage
camouflage blends into the background; mimicry specifically copies another creature or object
- disguise
less technical; disguise suggests a deliberate change of appearance rather than an evolved trait
- conspicuousness
mimicry aims to hide; conspicuousness makes an organism stand out
用法筆記
Primarily a biological term. Two well-known sub-types are Batesian mimicry (a harmless species mimics a dangerous one) and Müllerian mimicry (two dangerous species resemble each other). Avoid using 'mimicry' for general colour-change camouflage (e.g. chameleons) — that is true camouflage, not mimicry.